Antique Print-RHINOCEROS BEETLE-CARIBBEAN-Schley-Prevost-1777

‘Escarbot Rhinoceros.’

Engraving / etching on hand laid (verge) paper.
Sheet size: 25,5 x 18,5 cm. (10 x 7,3 inch). Image size: 18,5 x 13,5 cm. (7,3 x 5,3 inch).

From a Dutch edition of Prevost’s monumental work: ‘Historische Beschryving der Reizen […]’, published in Amsterdam by E. van Harrevelt and d. J. Changuion, 1777. Antoine Francois Prevost d’Exiles (or Abbe Prevost’s) multi-volume ‘Histoire Generale Des Voyages’ (1746-1759): ultimately 17 quarto volumes recounting major voyages of discovery and descriptions of far flung parts and including around 240 maps, plans and charts of those areas. These maps, plans and charts were mostly produced by Jacques Nicolas Bellin, the influential French hydrographer. Bellin’s work spans from around 1740 to the 1770s; interestingly he signed his plates in a variety of styles ? J. Bellin, N. Bellin, N.B., M.B. (Monsieur Bellin) and S.B. (Seigneur Bellin).

Made by ‘Jakob van der Schley’ after ‘Anonymous’. Jakob van der Schley (Amsterdam 1715-1779) was a Dutch draughtsman and engraver. He studied under Bernard Picart and became heavily influenced by his style. Antoine Francois Prevost d’Exiles (1697-1763), usually known simply as the Abbe Prevost, was a French author and novelist.

Condition: Good, given age. Paper slightly browned. Vertical printing crease. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: RHINOCEROS BEETLE-CARIBBEAN

PCO-A29-08